Stags snap up Elder on loan

Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray this morning made his fourth signing of the transfer window by snapping up young left-back Callum Elder on a month-long loan from Leicester City.

Elder (19) is an Australian youth international who has featured regularly for the Foxes’ development squad over the last few seasons – including two performances in the newly-formed Premier League International Cup, where he helped his parent club achieve wins over Benfica and Schalke 04.

An energetic full-back, the teenager is a willing runner down the flanks and possesses an excellent delivery on his left foot.

“Callum is somebody that I’ve had my eye on for a long time now,” said the Stags’ boss.

“I’ve watched him over the last couple of years playing for Leicester’s U21s and the standard of that is quite high as they’re playing top teams from around the world.”

He continued: “Leicester have got one of the strongest sides around this area and the Midlands, and I think Callum is known as possibly the best left-back at U21 level in the region.

“So for us to grab him is a massive coup and I’m over the moon.”

Murray is hoping to tie up a deal for two more players today or tomorrow, one being experienced Oxford centre half Michael Raynes.

Yesterday he brought in midfielder Ricky Ravenhill as well as completing a full-time deal for loanee winger Junior Brown.